Religious Groups File Lawsuit Against Immigration Raids in Places of Worship

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Over two dozen Christian and Jewish religious organizations in the United States have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's immigration policies, which permit arrests within places of worship. Filed in the District of Columbia, the lawsuit claims these policies violate the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by creating fear among congregants, as reported by Kelsi Corkran, lead counsel for the plaintiffs.

The lawsuit, titled Mennonite United States v. Department of Homeland Security, responds to the administration's effective rescinding of protections for "sensitive locations," which traditionally included churches and schools. Religious leaders argue that the fear of deportation is leading to declining attendance and participation in church programs, deeply affecting their ability to serve undocumented individuals.

The case highlights the experience of Wilson Velasquez, who was arrested at a church despite attending required immigration check-ins. Rabbi Rick Jacobs underscored the historical importance of safeguarding religious spaces from government intrusion. The plaintiffs, representing millions of believers, are calling for a restoration of protections to uphold their religious freedoms.

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